A petition going round social media this past week protesting the closure of Mizieb and Ahrax to the public has bore fruits after an announcement by NGO Spazji Miftuha revealed the two areas will remain accessible to the public all year round.

After a delegation from Spazji Miftuħa met with Prime Minister Dr Robert Abela and Environment Minister Dr Aaron Farrugia yesterday, the NGO revealed that: "We are satisfied with the outcome of the meeting where the Prime Minister has guaranteed that access will remain open to all, at all times, throughout the year," a Facebook post read.

The NGO continued that: "We have also asked for proper enforcement in these areas to ensure that both hunters and citizens abide by the rules," and added that proposals had been submitted to "safeguard public access to these areas while respecting the rights of everyone."

O.R.C.A Malta, one of 60 NGOs to support this petition, wrote in a blogpost that: "We are proud to say that in such a short amount of time we have already started to make an impact but we are not content just yet. We are here to safeguard the rights of campers and outdoor enthusiasts, and these areas are of particular significance for us. We are not advocating against hunters, but for our public areas to be maintained by groups that are not biased, who will do what is best for the general public."

What great news!